Monson since his call in 1963 to the Council of the Twelve Apostles.

    In Golden Answers, John Bytheway addresses the Book of Mormon's fundamental doctrines such as the Fortunate Fall, the No-Gaps Atonement, Exposing the Enemies of Christ, and Gathering the Scattered. And he shows how each of these doctrines was included in the Book of Mormon specifically for our day. Written in John's signature upbeat, conversational style, this book will increase your appreciation for and deepen your testimony of this second witness of Christ.

    It is invoked daily in prayers, blessings, ordinances, and testimonies of members of the Church throughout the world. Apostles serve as "special witnesses of the name of Christ in all the world." But what does it mean to be a witness not just of Jesus Christ, but also of His name? In His Holy Name, Elder Dallin H. Oaks explores the significance of the scriptural references to the name of Jesus Christ, the Savior of the world.Using personal insight and excerpts from the standard works, Elder Oaks takes a fascinating look at the meaning of the Savior's holy name in our worship and beliefs. Truly, His holy name is a vital portion of our understanding and faith in the restored gospel. Elder Oaks recounts the words of John: "But these are written, that ye might believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God; and that believing ye might have life through his name" (John 20:31). This modern-day Apostle explains, "In this context, 'his name' means His work and His plan of salvation with all of its glorious provisions for the children of God."

    This book's theme deals with how the Atonement helps us build our relationships with the Lord and with others, especially family members. As we accept the Atonement, the Lord blesses us with a belonging heart. When we commit our lives to God, we show that commitment by how we give our lives, a day at a time, for the benefit of those we love_by how fully we let ourselves belong to them. The authors explain, 'In this kind of life, a full life of gracious connections with God and with other people, we may find where we really belong_for what we really were made.' This thought-provoking book helps us learn to gain the fulness of mortality by 'always abounding in good works, . . . [that] Christ, the Lord God Omnipotent, may seal [us] his.' (Mosiah 5:15.)

    What is it, and where can it be found? Is it an ideal to be hoped for in the next life, or a reality to be sought here and now? "To me there was never a time when we had a greater need for happiness and for the peace, contentment, serenity, hope, gratitude, and joy that are part of it," writes Mary Ellen Edmunds. In Happiness: Finders, Keepers, she offers a wealth of practical, cheery, spirit-filled suggestions for living a happier life. Since our Father in Heaven's plan is "the great plan of happiness," and since one of the reasons for our very existence is that we "might have joy" (2 Nephi 2:25), it's clear that we're meant to be happy right now, here, today! We can do so, even in the midst of trials, if we understand the true nature of this heavenly gift. "I am convinced that even with the heavy burdens, the awful injustices, and the tragedies in the world, there is happiness all around us," writes the author. "We must be the finders and the keepers — those who are aware of and who cherish this holy, abundant blessing." Overcoming stress, maintaining a sense of humor, remembering our blessings, feeling gratitude — these are just some of the paths to happiness discussed in this delightful book. Warm personal stories and solid insights from the scriptures and the words of Church leaders help shape our perspective. The message is one of hope: There are things we can do and feel that will make us almost instantly happier. As Mary Ellen says: "May we remember that we already chose the great plan of happiness, but we need to choose it again, hour after hour and day after day, through all our earthly experiences. . . . If we will, we can live happily ever after!"

    And out of small things proceedeth that which is great.” —D&C 64:33Caring for small children or keeping track of teenagers often leaves many women struggling to find contentment in their calling as mothers. In this inspirational text, Maria Covey Cole discusses the importance of gaining perspective on motherhood, shunning comparisons with others, and allowing our natures to be changed through the grace of Christ.This beautiful book provides a valuable perspective on the trials and joys of raising a family and the noble calling of motherhood by intertwining heartwarming stories, quotes from prophets and Apostles, and numerous scripture verses.

    Yet when understood, the temple can function in our lives as a modern day Liahona, giving us our bearings in our mortal journey back to our Father. Understanding Your Endowment is packed with insights and keys, which can help you unlock the temple's purpose and meaning in your life.Understanding Your Endowment examines topics such as covenant ceremonies, the initiatory ordinances, the endowment, and temple sealings in a manner that is plain and easy to understand while still respecting their sacred and confidential nature. Whether you are preparing to enter the temple for the first time or already attend regularly, your temple worship will be enriched by reading this book.

    

    It is an Odyssey through the greatest principles, ordinances and meanings of the Latter-day Saint faith in a comprehensive narrative. It will change the way you think of yourself, and of your life.

    Millet, best-selling author and former dean of Religious Education at Brigham Young UniversityBetween Gethsemane and the empty Garden Tomb stands the Savior's sacrifice on the cross. In this in-depth study of Christ's gift from Golgotha, author John Hilton III provides insight to help us in our quest to "attain to a perfect knowledge of [Christ]" and come closer to Him (Jacob 4:12). This book explores questions like "How can studying Christ's Crucifixion increase our appreciation for his Atonement?" "Why do some Church members avoid the cross--because of Church doctrine or cultural practice?" and "How can the Savior's atoning sacrifice help us find relief from pain and suffering?" By providing answers to these and many other questions, Hilton guides readers to see Calvary in new and powerful ways.Through scriptures, quotes, and stories, Considering the Cross shows that prophets, both ancient and modern, have taught that the Savior's Crucifixion is a central part of our redemption from sin. What the cross means for Christians in general and Latter-day Saints in particular has sometimes varied, but one meaning is constant Christ was crucified for the sins of the world because of His love for us. Jesus is both the living Christ and, as manifested through His death, the loving Christ. Above all, this book is about finding increasing peace and happiness by coming closer to Him. More deeply considering Christ's sacrifice on Calvary can help us better understand the Savior's perfect love for us. Jesus bore our burdens so He can lighten our loads, He experienced pain so He can offer us peace, and He suffered for our sins so we could be free to follow and become like Him."This book truly deepened my love for and appreciation of the Savior." -Virginia Pearce Cowley, author of the best-selling book A Heart Like His and former First Counselor in the Young Women General Presidency"This groundbreaking book shows us the unflinching devotion of the Father and the Son a picture of what love truly looks like." -David Butler, best-selling author and co-host of YouTube scripture study channel Don't Miss This

    In this remarkable volume, Mark Shields, an experienced gospel teacher, casts new light on the symbolism inherent in temple ordinances and provides a wealth of insights that will change the way you worship. Whether you've been attending the temple for years or are preparing to enter for the first time, you will learn to love the temple, understand its purposes, and appreciate the rich symbolism it embodies. Your Endowment is a must-read for anyone looking to get more from temple worship.

    Holland celebrates the Christmas season and spirit by focusing on the birth and life of Jesus Christ-the true meaning of Christmas. In three essays, Elder Holland traces the path of Mary and Joseph to Bethlehem and sheds new light on familiar scriptures. He reflects on the sweet refrains of the carols and hymns that so eloquently recall the glorious first Christmas night, and he shares his own personal stories and memories of Christmas to testify of his deep feelings about Jesus Christ.When details overwhelm the holiday spirit, Elder Holland reminds us to remember why the shepherds were so joyful-because "in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord" was born beneath a shining star. He reminds us that Jesus Christ is the answer to all our questions and the source of all our jubilee.

    But what does it mean to always have the Lord's Spirit with us? And how can we recognize the presence and guidance of the Holy Ghost in our lives?Paired with both inspirational and personal photography, this new book brings together some of Elder Ronald A. Rasband's greatest stories and counsel about recognizing the divine hand of the Lord in our lives. Get to know Elder Rasband and his teachings as he draws upon personal experiences from his younger life and his ministry as an Apostle. Through his own experience, he helps us learn first how to seek the Spirit and then how to recognize and respond to divine guidance in our families, with friends and colleagues, in our Church service, and during times of trial.Each of these short quotes, heartfelt stories, and brief messages is an important reminder that the Lord is in the small details of our lives. He is interested in our success and eternal happiness, and He has provided the Holy Ghost to offer divine guidance and lead us back to Him.

    He observes that this book "blends the autobiographical and the doctrinal."both the title of the book itself and those of the individual chapters come from the words of a well-known hymn. The author's counsels and comments reflect his experiences and perceptions in the light of the challenges set by his malady and of the appropriate gospel concepts. Thus he early observes that irony, "the hard crust on the bread of adversity," can try both our faith and our patience. Our Savior, Jesus Christ, is central to the book as He is to the plan of salvation. "Multiple revelations teach us that redeeming Jesus is uniquely our 'advocate with the Father,' that He pleads for us, and that He makes intercession for us....Without this grand reality we would be helpless, and all would be truly and finally hopeless."But the guarantees are in place. "He can succor us in any form of the human condition because, as He reminded Joseph in the Liberty Jail: "The Son of Man hath descended below them all. Art thou greater than he?' No person, therefore, who comes before Him can exclaim, "You don't understand what I have been through!'"The author further explains: "Of course, the Father knew beforehand of all human wickedness. He knew beforehand of mankind's need of a Savior....Mortal sins previously committed and those yet to be committed were atoned for retroactively and prospectively in Gethsemane and on Calvary. For us of the last dispensation, it was 'paid in advance,' as it were."The last chapter recalls examples of Elder Maxwell's "intertwinings," many of them "kindred spirit" friendships. They range from boyhood school days and wartime army service all the way up to General Authority associations. This chapter is a fitting end to a book that is replete with uplifting gospel thoughts that will unfailingly instruct and edify the reader.Note: Description comes from the original version's book jacket and not Amazon.

    Holy Places includes more than sixty faith promoting stories with accompanying artwork from temples around the world, including the most recent temples in Ghana, Manhattan, Newport Beach, and Nigeria. Based on more than a decade of personal interviews and in-depth research, each story in this beautiful volume conveys a sense of God's hand in the important work of temples and the faith of Church members as they seek to perform that work. Families will love this treasured collection of stories documenting the faith and miracles associated with the most holy places on Earth.